Exploring NJ's Old Mine Road: Tips for a Scenic Drive
- Old Mine Road is a 26-mile historic route within New Jersey's Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
- The road passes historic sites including Van Campen Inn, Millbrook Village, the Pahaquarry Copper Mine area, and the Minisink National Historic Landmark.
- The southern section has potholes, speed limits as low as 15 mph, and traffic-controlled one-lane sections.
- Turtle Beach offers seasonal swimming, picnicking, restrooms, fishing, and wildlife viewing along the Delaware River.
- Check current road conditions before visiting because sections may close due to weather or maintenance.
A New Jersey Historic and Scenic Treasure
Old Mine Road, stretching through Sussex and Warren Counties in New Jersey, is among the oldest continuously used roads in the United States.
In its early history, this road was traveled by Lenape Indians, Dutch miners, and Revolutionary War soldiers. In the 17th century, Dutch settlers mined copper ore from the Pahaquarry Copper Mine located in a scenic ravine approximately six miles north of the Kittatinny Point Visitor Center.
To transport the ore to Kingston, NY on the Hudson River, the miners constructed the road that is today known as the Old Mine Road. Much of the roads history remains in doubt and often debated, especially as to where the southern most point began markers are placed to identify that the road began as an Indian trail.
Today, a 26-mile stretch of Old Mine Road within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area remains largely undeveloped, offering a glimpse into the past.
This segment, known as the Old Mine Road Historic District, was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 3, 1980, for its significance in agriculture, archaeology, architecture, commerce, exploration/settlement, and transportation. The district includes 24 contributing buildings and five contributing sites.
Visitors can explore several historic landmarks along the route, such as the Van Campen Inn, a restored 18th-century fieldstone residence that served as a colonial-era yaugh house, Millbrook Village, and the remnants of the Pahaquarry Copper Mine.
The road also traverses the Minisink National Historic Landmark, highlighting its cultural and historical importance.
What to Expect When Traveling the Old Mine Road?
To visit Old Mine Road from from NJ, take I-80 West toward the Delaware Water Gap. Exit at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and follow signs to Old Mine Road.
The road, especially in the southern end for the first ten miles can be a rough ride with pot holes, speed limits dropping down to 15 mph and traffic lights controlling two-way traffic on the one way lane segments.
Old Mine Road is popular on weekends in spring, summer, and fall, It's natural scenery and sereneness make for a great autumn scenic trip.
Turtle Beach-Old Mine Road
Photo courtesy Steven Markos
During the summer, Turtle Beach, located along the scenic Delaware River off historic Old Mine Road in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, is a peaceful destination for swimming, picnicking, and relaxing in nature.
Turtle Beach is one of three swimming areas within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and the only one located on the New Jersey side of the park.
Surrounded by forested hills, the site features a grassy riverside beach, picnic tables, restrooms, and seasonal lifeguards, making it a favorite spot for families seeking a quieter alternative to more crowded river access areas. Learn more about Turtle Beach
Visitors can also enjoy wildlife viewing, photography, fishing, and easy access to one of New Jersey's most scenic drives along Old Mine Road.
Please note that certain sections may be closed due to maintenance or weather conditions, so it's advisable to check current road statuses before your trip.
How Did Old Mine Road Preserve It's Pristine - Scenic Condition?
Due to substantial flooding along the Delaware River in 1955, the US Army Corps of Engineers was able to secure approval from congress in 1962 to construct a dam at Tocks Island to provide for flood control of the region.
Subsequent to obtaining approval for the construction of the dam, the land bordering the Delaware River was acquired by the U.S Government. However, largely due to protests by environmentalists, local residents, and historians, the authorization was overturned and the dam construction was averted.
As a result of this de authorization and reversion, the area is now left more pristine than it was 50 years ago. With the expected construction of the Tocks Island Dam鈥揜eservoir, almost all of the property owners in the area were forced to sell out and move away.
The building of the dam-reservoir would have wiped out all traces of history and human lively hood in this scenic valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Old Mine Road in New Jersey
What is Old Mine Road in New Jersey?
Old Mine Road is a historic route through Sussex and Warren Counties in New Jersey. A 26-mile section runs through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and includes historic landmarks, natural scenery, and access to the Delaware River.
How long is the Old Mine Road route?
The Old Mine Road section within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is 26 miles long. The article also explains that the road's exact original southern starting point remains debated.
How do you get to Old Mine Road from New Jersey?
Take I-80 West toward the Delaware Water Gap, exit at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and follow signs for Old Mine Road. Check current road conditions before traveling because weather or maintenance can close sections.
What can you see and do along Old Mine Road?
Visitors can visit historic sites such as Van Campen Inn, Millbrook Village, and the Pahaquarry Copper Mine area. Along the route, visitors can also enjoy scenic views, photography, fishing, wildlife viewing, and seasonal swimming at Turtle Beach.
Is Old Mine Road easy to drive?
The southern section can be difficult to drive because it has potholes, speed limits as low as 15 mph, and traffic-controlled one-lane sections. Weekend traffic is more common during spring, summer, and fall, so drivers should allow extra time.
